National Year of Reading 2026: Go All In!
In 2026, the National Year of Reading is reconnecting reading with the things that already inspire us – from playlists and football matches to films, food and family time. It’s reading that fits how we live, not the other way around, and we want to inspire more people to make reading a regular part of their lives.
What we are doing in Hampshire Libraries
During 2026, Hampshire Libraries will be sharing our groups and activities, holding special events to celebrate and posting social media videos and challenges. Find us on Instagram and Facebook.
Read anything that inspires you - read physical books, listen to audiobooks, read or listen to digital books, read a magazine, a graphic novel or a newspaper and so much more. Anything counts!
If your children are looking for inspiration, explore great author content using Authorfy, which has been made free to everyone during 2026.
Find out more about the National Year of Reading
Get book recommendations and more with our dedicated National Year of Reading page on our catalogue.
Events and activities in Hampshire Libraries
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Young Adult Bookabout at Totton Library
Saturdays fortnightly
11am to middayFirst meeting is 28 FebruaryYoung Adult Bookabout is welcoming, social, and inclusive book group for readers aged 16+. A great opportunity to explore diverse genres, discuss relevant themes, and connect with peers.
All welcome!
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Tuesday Reading Group at Alton Library
1st Tuesday of the month
10am to 11amDo you like reading?
Come along and join this friendly group who enjoy reading all genres in a relaxed atmosphere.
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VIP Reading Group at Alton Library
Every 1st Tuesday of the month
2pm to 3:30pmCome along to our book group supporting people with sight loss and have a friendly discussion with others.
For further information please contact the library.
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Bookabout at Andover Library
Every 2nd Thursday of the Month
11am to midday
Love reading? Want some book recommendations? Come along to our new drop-in book group at Andover Library.
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Listen in the Library at Basingstoke Discovery Centre
Every Thursday
12:45pm to 1:30pmStorytime's not just for children! Relax, sit back and listen to our library staff read aloud to you. Enjoy classic and modern stories in our warm and welcome space.
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Book Chat and Creative at Bordon Library
Third Tuesday of the month
3:45pm to 4:45pmCome along to chat with others about the books or comics you’ve been reading, for 11-14 year olds.
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Crime Reading Group at Eastleigh Library
Every 1st Friday of the month
2pm to 3pm
Come along and chat about a crime book with like minded people at Eastleigh Library.
Free
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Thursday Reading Group at Eastleigh Library
Every 1st Thursday of the month
2:30pm to 3:30pmDo you love reading and talking about books? Then come along and join like-minded people at Eastleigh Library on the first Thursday of every month, 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Free
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Active Visually Impaired Group at Fareham Library
Every 3rd Monday of the month
midday to 1pm
A social and support group specially designed for visually impaired individuals.
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Monday Mob Reading Group at Fareham Library
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month
3pm to 5pmWe meet monthly on a Tuesday. For anyone who is interested in joining, please contact the library for more information.
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Poetry Matters at Fareham Library
Every 2nd Saturday of each month
2pm to 3:30pmCome along to the library if you enjoy reading, listening to and discussing poetry.
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VIP Reading Group at Fareham Library
1st Thursday of every other month
1:30pm to 3pmWe meet in a friendly, relaxed environment to discuss selected books in different formats. New members welcome, just come long or please ask a member of staff for details.
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VIP Reading Club at Farnborough Library
Every 1st Wednesday of each month
2pm to 4pmMeet in in a friendly, relaxed environment to discuss selected books in different formats.
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Book Club at Gosport Discovery Centre
Last Friday of every month
1:30m to 3pmGosport book Club meet once a month and everyone is welcome. It is an informal and fun meeting, we choose a book and have a month to read it and review it. At the meeting everyone offers there opinion of the book and usually a lively discussion takes place ! Each month we have a different Genre and can be anything from Comedy to Horror! Members recommend a book from the Genre before the meeting and we discuss and choose the book for the following month. We also have a Facebook page, where members chat, discuss books and if they have read a particular good book or even a bad book make reviews and recommendations.
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Chat About Reading Group for People with a Visual Impairment at Gosport Discovery Centre
Every 3rd Friday of the month
10:30am to middayMeet in a friendly, relaxed environment to discuss selected books in different formats. We can provide books in large print, on tape or CD.
For more information or to join contact [email protected].
Refreshments funded by DWP Household Support Fund.
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Talkbook Reading Group at Gosport Discovery Centre
Every 3rd Saturday of the month
11am to 1pmCome along to our LGBT+ friendly, culturally, ethically diverse reading group and discuss selected books. For more information email [email protected] *LGBT - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender plus.
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Meridian Readers at Havant Library
Every Monday
10am to middayA learning group for new adult readers. One to ones and group book discussions with our friendly volunteers.
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Silent Book Club at Hythe Library
1st Monday of the month
7pm to 8:30pmAt Silent Book Club, you're welcome to bring your own book or settle in with one of ours.
You're free to share what you're reading at the start, have a hot drink and then settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading until 8pm.
At the end of the hour, attendees can socialise if they choose to.
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‘Book About’ Book Club at Hythe Library
2nd Thursday of the month
11am to middayDiscuss what you’ve been reading, hear about what others are reading, and still decide what to read next!
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Crime Reading Group at Petersfield Library
Last Tuesday of the month
2pm to 4pmCome and join us at the library.
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Poetry Group at Petersfield Library
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month
2pm to 4:30pmThis friendly group is open to anyone who would like to share their enjoyment of poetry with others.
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VIP Reading Group at Petersfield Library
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month
2:30pm to 4pmCome along to our book group supporting people with sight loss. All titles chosen are available in large print and audio. Get together and have a friendly discussion.
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Carol's Reading Group at Portchester Library
Every 2nd Monday of the month
10:45am to 11:45amDo you love reading? Would you like to join a reading group? If you are interested and would like to join, please ask library staff for details.
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Monday Magpies at Portchester Library
Every 3rd Monday of the month
11am to middayDo you love reading? Would you like to join our friendly, informal reading group? If you are interested and would like to join, please ask library staff for details.
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Pageturners at Portchester Library
Every 1st Monday of the month
3:45pm to 4:45pmDo you love reading? Would you like to join a reading group? If you are interested and would like to join, please ask library staff for details.
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Plays and Poetry Reading Group at Portchester Library
Every 1st Saturday of the month
10am to 11amDo you like discussing poetry or reading plays? Why not join our plays and poetry reading group group?
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Poetry in Motion at Stubbington Library
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month
10am to 11amDo you love reading and discussing poetry? Would you like to meet others who enjoy discovering new poets as well as revisiting famous classics? You may even be a budding poet who is keen to share your own work.
If you are interested in joining this group, please speak to library staff.
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Reading Group at Tadley Library
Every 1st Thursday of the month
2pm to 4pmCome along and join our reading group.
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U3A Reading Group at Tadley Library
Every 4th Thursday of the month
2pm to 4pmCome along and join our reading group.
You will need to join the U3A, for more details email [email protected] or call 020 8466 6139.
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Poetry Club at Totton Library
Every First Thursday of the month
2pm to 3pmThis friendly group is open to anyone who would like to share their enjoyment of poetry with others.
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BookAbout at Totton Library
Last Thursday of the month
2pm to 3pmAn unconventional book group, no need to read a certain book but come along to share a love of reading, find recommendations and chat about books.
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Reading Group at Winchester Library
First Monday of each month apart from bank holidays
11am to middayCome and join us. Please contact the library for more information.
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Read Aloud & Chat About at Winchester Library
Every Wednesday
10:30am to 12:30pmStorytime's not just for children!
Relax, sit back and listen to our library staff read aloud to you for 30 minutes. Enjoy classic and modern stories in our warm and welcome space, then engage in conversation with others over games and coffee.
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Book Club at Yateley Library
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month
10am to middayWhy not join our friendly, general fiction, book club?
Please ask library staff for further details.
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Story time at Aldershot Library
Every Wednesday
11am to 11:30amSuitable for children aged 3 to 5 years.
We welcome donations to support our provision of children's activities.
Suggested donation £1. -
Storytime at Alton Library
Every Tuesday
10:30am to 11amCome along and join us for stories and rhymes. Parents/carers to stay.
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Storytime with Pets As Therapy Dog at Alton Library
9 June, 23 June, 7 July, 21 July
10:30am to 11amCome along to Storytime and meet Oreo, a qualified Pets As Therapy dog who will be listening to staff read and sitting with children that would like him to.
Parents/carers to stay. Free.
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Dog Storytime at Andover Library
Every Tuesday
11am to 11:30amJoin us, Maisy the therapy Labrador and her handler, for Dog Storytime.
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Storytime at Andover Library
Every Monday
11am to 11:30amJoin us for stories at Andover Library
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Storytime at Basingstoke Discovery Centre
Every Friday
10:30am to 11amJoin us for stories and songs for the under 5's at Basingstoke Discovery Centre.
Parents/carers must remain in the library with their child/children.
This event does not happen on bank holidays.
We welcome donations to support our provision of children's activities.
Suggested donation £1. -
Storytime at Chandler's Ford Library
Every Monday
10:30am followed by Play and StayJoin us for fun and stories at Chandlers Ford Library every Monday.
Suitable for all children aged 5 and under.
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Storytime at Chineham Library
Every Tuesday
10:30am to 11amJoin us for fun and stories at Chineham Library. Suitable for Children aged 3 to 5 years.
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Saturday Story and Craft at Chineham Library
Every 3rd Saturday of the month
10am to middayInteractive story time and book themed craft activity for children 3 to 7 years old.
£1 per child for the craft
You can pay at the desk on the day.Parents and carers must remain with their children during the session. No need to book, just come along.
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Storytime at Eastleigh Library
Every Tuesday
10:30am to 11:30amCome along join us for some exciting stories and drawing fun every Tuesday at Eastleigh Library.
Suitable for children aged 2 to 4 years.
Free
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Storytime at Emsworth Library
Every Friday (except public holidays)
10am to 10:30amCome along and enjoy stories for toddlers and their parents/carers.
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Stories and Rhymes at Fareham Library
Every Wednesday
11am to 11:30amCome along to our fun and friendly stories and rhymes session! For pre school children. FREE! Parents and carers to remain with their children during this session. Each parent/carer can bring up to 2 children. No need to book but places may be limited.
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Stories and Songs at Fareham Library
Every Tuesday
11am to 11:30amStories and rhymes for pre-school children!
Parents and carers must remain with their children during this session.
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Stories and Songs at Fareham Library
Every Friday
2pmStories and rhymes for pre-school children! Parents and carers must remain with their children during this session.
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Saturday Stories at Fareham Library
Fortnightly on Saturdays
11am to 11:30amCome and enjoy listening and getting involved in a story or two during our new Children's Story Telling Sessions at Fareham Library. Aimed at children 5-100!
Parents and carers to remain with their children during these sessions.
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Storytime at Farnborough Library
Every Friday
10:30am to 11amJoin us for fun and stories. Suitable for Children aged 3 to 5 years.
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Storytime at Fleet Library
Every Monday
10:30am to 11amStory time for under 5s.
FREE to attend, but we welcome donations to support children's activities at Fleet Library, suggested donation £1. -
Storytime at Gosport Discovery Centre
Every Monday
10:30am to 11amCome along to our fun and friendly stories and songs session!
No need to book but places are limited. Parents/carers must remain with their children during this session.
For under 5s
Please note that all of our children's activities are ticketed and you will need to collect a ticket from the ground floor reception desk from on the day of the activity. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. To ensure we are adhering to our health and safety regulations, you may not be able to access our children's floor during our popular activities – colouring and games are available upon request so you can enjoy some time with your children/young people in other areas of our library. Please follow our Facebook page for more information on one-off events and activities. -
Storytime at Gosport Discovery Centre
Every Saturday
10:30am to 11amCome along to our fun and friendly stories and songs session! For children of all ages. FREE!
No need to book but places are limited. Parents/carers must remain with their children during this session.
Please note that all of our children's activities are ticketed and you will need to collect a ticket from the ground floor reception desk from on the day of the activity. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. To ensure we are adhering to our health and safety regulations, you may not be able to access our children's floor during our popular activities – colouring and games are available upon request so you can enjoy some time with your children/young people in other areas of our library. Please follow our Facebook page for more information on one-off events and activities. -
Storytime at Hayling Island Library
Every Monday (except Bank Holidays)
10:30am to 11amCome and enjoy listening to a selection of stories. Suitable for ages 3-5. Parents/carers to stay.
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Storytime at Hedge End Library
Every Thursday
10am to 11amStorytime with Abbie. Discover the joy of Storytime and join us for engaging tales, interactive fun and a themed weekly craft.
Best suited to ages 2 and over but younger children are welcome. Booking not required.
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Share a Story at Hythe Library
Every Tuesday
3pm to 4:45pmShare a story with your child. Snacks and drinks available.
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Storytime at Hythe Library
Every Wednesday
11am to 11:30amJoin us to listen to some exciting picture book stories!
All ages welcome
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Stories and Songs at Lockswood Library
Wednesday (term time only)
10am and repeated at 11am
and
Thursday (term time only)
11am to 11:30amA chance to hear wonderful stories and songs and make new friends. No need to book but come early to ensure a place. Parents and carers must remain with their children during the session.
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Storytime at Petersfield Library
Every Saturday
11am to 11:30amA chance to hear stories for under 8's. Parents/Carers to stay
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Teddy Tales at Petersfield Library
Every Tuesday
10:30am to 10:50amA fun weekly interactive session filled with stories and rhymes - great for language development and listening skills, and also just to have a really good time!
Ideal for ages 3 to 5 years and their parents/carers.
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Stories and Songs at Portchester Library
Every Wednesday
10am to 10:30amCome and join us for our NEW Stories and Songs sessions here at Portchester Library!
Join us as we read our favourite children's stories together and sing along to some popular rhymes!
Free - suggested donation £1
No need to pre-book, just pop along for some fun!
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Storytime at Romsey Library
Every Tuesday
11am to 11:30amJoin us for fun and stories
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Storytime at Stubbington Library
Mondays (term time only)
11am to 11:30amCome and join our fun session with stories and rhymes. Suitable for older toddlers and up. Parents and carers to remain with their children during this session.
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Storytime at Tadley Library
Every Thursday
10:30am to 11amJoin us for fun and stories.
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Storytime at Totton Library
Every Tuesday
11am to 11:30amJoin us for fun and stories.
Suitable for Children aged 3 to 5 years.
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Saturday Storytime at Waterlooville Library
4th Saturday of the month
10am to 10:30amCome and enjoy listening to a selection of stories. Suitable for ages 3-5.
Parents/carers to stay.
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Storytime with Bunny and Bear at Waterlooville Library
First Wednesday of the month
10:30am to 11amCome along and enjoy stories and rhymes for toddlers and their parents/carers.
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Saturday Storytime at Whitchurch Library
Every Saturday
10:30am to 11amJoin us for half an hour of storytelling! With a wide range of books and beautiful illustrations there is so much on offer at Whitchurch Library.
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StoryTime with Stay & Play at Winchester Library
Every Tuesday & Saturday
11am to middayJoin us for a free StoryTime and Stay and Play session every Tuesday and Saturday morning 11am to midday.
Listen to your favourite picture books, enjoy creative activities and meet new friends!
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Storytime at Yateley Library
Every Tuesday
10:30am to 11amJoin us for stories, songs and an activity for the under 5's at Yateley Library.
Parents/carers must remain in the library with their child/children.
This event does not happen on a bank holiday.
We welcome donations to support our provision of children's activities.
Suggested donation £1. -
Meet the Author: Sally Page at Totton Library
Thursday 4 June
7pmJoin Sunday Times Bestseller Sally Page to celebrate the launch of her new novel Six Little Words.
Sally Page's debut novel, The Keeper of Stories, became a word-of-mouth sensation, translated into 30 languages and shortlisted for British Book of the Year. Sally has subsequently published two further novels with Harper Fiction, her fourth 'Six Little Words' was published by Harper Collins this spring.Price: £3 per ticket
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Women's Prize for Fiction at Fareham Library
Thursday 11 June
6:30pm to 8:30pmJoin us for a literary evening, reviewing the books shortlisted for this year's prize.
The evening will include a literary quiz so make up a team for a fun night. Everyone gets a chance to vote before the big reveal of the official winner!
The Coffee shop will be open from 5.30pm and during the evening for refreshments.
Price: £5.00 per person.
Book your tickets.
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